Paris, June 11–14, 2025 – For the first time ever, Lebanon presented a fully-fledged national pavilion at VivaTech 2025, Europe’s premier innovation and startup festival held at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. Occupying Hall 1, Booth B08, the Lebanese pavilion featured 21 startups spanning AI, fintech, healthtech, edtech, blockchain, and clean technologies—together reflecting a powerful narrative of resilience, creativity, and global ambition.
Inauguration with high-level support included appearances by H.E. Dr. Kamal Shehade, Minister of State for Technology & Artificial Intelligence, alongside Lebanon’s Ambassador to France and the Director General of the Ministry of Economy & Trade. Their presence underscored Lebanon’s dedication to driving a knowledge- and innovation-based economy.
Behind the scenes, ecosystem leaders joined forces to bring the pavilion to life. SmartESA took the helm in organizing and curating the delegation, working closely with Beirut Digital District, Berytech, La French Tech Beirut, Endeavor Lebanon, Zein AUB iPark, the Franco-Lebanese Chamber of Commerce, and additional partners. Their collective effort encompassed everything from logistical coordination and pitch preparations to media outreach and investor networking.
Complementing this private-sector momentum, the Lebanese Embassy in France lent diplomatic support. Economic Attaché Rachel Alameddine highlighted the delegation’s achievements, emphasizing the showcase of bold, world-class innovation from Lebanon. She and other embassy figures helped streamline logistics, approvals, and event compliance—quietly strengthening Lebanon’s credibility on an international stage.
Inside the pavilion, the 21 startups brought more than products—they brought purpose. Visitors witnessed advanced AI healthcare diagnostics, digital fintech solutions that enhance financial inclusion, blockchain tools tailored for the MENA region, sustainable clean-tech innovations, and new edtech platforms transforming learning environments. These ventures weren’t just local—they embodied global scalability and an appetite for cross-border collaboration.
Throughout the event, Lebanese founders engaged in pitch sessions, investor meetings, and networking, building relationships with leading investors and industry players. Delegation members shared their excitement, highlighting how the pavilion brought cohesion to Lebanon’s innovation ecosystem and boosted its global standing.
Against a backdrop of economic difficulties at home, the pavilion represented more than technological progress—it was a symbol of national unity and determination. It showcased how Lebanon’s entrepreneurial spirit withstands adversity and can inspire collective recovery and growth.
Looking ahead, this inaugural performance at VivaTech has already generated tangible momentum. Many startups are following up with investor meetings and exploring partnerships. Plans are underway to fortify Lebanon’s startup pipeline, bolster export readiness, and deepen collaboration between public institutions and innovation enablers. At the same time, diplomatic institutions and ecosystem leaders are exploring longer-term partnerships to sustain Lebanon’s presence at global tech platforms.
Lebanon’s debut at VivaTech 2025 was more than a participation—it was a declaration. This festival stage bore witness to the emergence of a unified, globally minded, and resilient tech ecosystem. As startups, ecosystem partners, and diplomatic channels aligned in pursuit of global impact, Lebanon has not only revealed its current capacity—it has set a bold invitation for the world to join its journey of transformation and innovation.